Overall college enrollment is up 4.5% — the first time it’s passed pre-pandemic levels. Undergrad numbers specifically rose 4.7%, still a touch shy of 2019, but the momentum is clear.

Additionally, alternative credentials are rising fast — up nearly 29% in six years — as students seek faster, skill-based routes into careers like cybersecurity and healthcare.

Employers are responding, too. Some are dropping degree requirements. Others are doubling down on apprenticeships and fellowships. After all, 65% of Americans say the college you attend doesn’t determine your wealth.

Career growth now comes in more than one format — and more people are finding smart ways to work it.

— The Editors 

👨‍🍳 Yes, chef: Chef Boyardee, a nearly century-old brand, has been sold* to private equity in a $600 million deal. Across the category, what’s old is new again as a wave of retro foods are making a comeback with modern consumers.

🤖 AI gets to work: Shopping could soon get a serious upgrade. OpenAI, parent company of ChatGPT, announced features* that will pull prices, images, and reviews for shoppers. As nearly half of Americans now feel more comfortable using AI to guide their financial decisions, these features may factor into purchases.

🏡 Backyard bonus: New zoning laws are making it easier to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs), turning backyards into flexible spaces for remote work, multi-generational living, or rental units that could bring in thousands in monthly income. States from California to Maine are streamlining permits to meet rising demand. Read more on The Currency^TM.

🌴 Extra shifts: California just worked its way into becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy,* outpacing Japan with a $4.1 trillion GDP and a growth rate that surpasses the U.S., China, and Germany. Californians have the second-highest average net worth in the country, coming in at $855,000.

On the job

The U.S. added 177,000 jobs in April — beating expectations — while wages rose 3.8% year-over-year, outpacing inflation. Healthcare led the gains, with steady hiring across key sectors pointing to resilience in an otherwise uneven economy.

Work it out

Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” tour is underway, and it’s estimated the artist could earn* $325 million in all. Good news for fans: Tickets are still available for less than $60* at some venues. And as nearly 4 in 10 Americans say concert tickets bring long-term happiness, it might be time to have a “Flawless” night out.

Doing home-work

Home renovations are ramping up, with spending projected to hit $509 billion this year. Materials and supply costs may shift with tariffs, but for now, some homeowners are investing in upgrades as more may opt to stay put, with sales of existing homes down 5.9% in March compared to the previous month.

Women’s sports are breaking records and raising revenue — expected to reach $2.35 billion this year — a 25% jump over 2024. Star power, sponsorships, and surging fan interest are turning the business of play into a major win. Read more on The Currency.